PENN TRAFFIC'S WIDE NET

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The geographic diversity of Penn Traffic Co. here is one of its greatest strengths, according to Gary Hirsch, chairman and chief executive officer."We don't operate in any particular marketplace," he said. "Our operations are spread economically, demographically and geographically over a 750-mile radius, with a diversity of competition."Except for Kroger, which competes with stores